Coin Show Picks

I would think that dimes would be great to start a kid collecting. Nickels too. Pennies also for that matter. I would imagine that most members in this forum started on those very coins.

This is kind of a hard one to answer. It seems like they are new to coins so I would probably have them look around the show to see what they like and then have them buy what they are interested in.

A few questions:
I personally agree with the (silver) dimes approach, BUT,

What are the ages of your kids? Kids like coins with animals, but as they grow up, their interests will change.
When I was very young, I was interested in coins that had an unusual design.

Show them your collection. Ask which coins capture their interest.
Tell them as much as you know about those coins, you need to encourage their interest. Give them a small but practical, discretionary budget for them to spend, under your encouragement. The aim is to get them, and yourself, involved.

For individuals in their 20's, they should be well able to make up their own minds. They should at this age know what they can and can't afford. Also, if they have seen your collection, they should also have an idea of what they want if anything. I'd really start by buying them a copy of the Red Book by Whitman Publishing. It is probably late to suggest several other books on coins since it would take time to find them. The Red Book could or should be available at almost any Coin or Hobby store.
Eduacte them on the cost of 2x2's, those 20 slot pages for 2x2's, 3 ringed binders, Albums, Folders, plastic tubes for their coins. Discuss where they would intend to store them. For now ignore the idea of coins as an investment. Not a really good idea. People did that with Beanie Babies at one time. Convince them that this is a hobby and should be done for fun.
As for coin shows, use the Search tab at the top and look for coin shows. Lots of discussions about them.

If we knew what coins were going to go up in value...none of us would be here, we'd be out gobbling those coins up.

You have to help them find something that catches their attention. Just because your son in law likes silver half dollars, your daughter may think they're ugly and may enjoy collecting lincolns.

Pay attention to the coins they look at and pass over while at the show. This will give you a very good idea of what they may enjoy collecting.

A few suggestions - Date set of Lincoln cents - fairly inexpensive. Roosevelt/mercury dimes - can pick up melt value coins around 2-3 each.
Half dollars - start with 40% Kennedy's and work their way up.
Since you can still find some in circulation this will help in the limited funds area.
Tell them once they make a collection they can always move onto something else or trade/sell their set and upgrade to a new set.

if they lean toward modern coins...what about proof sets? regular,silver,or even '83-'97 Prestige sets.

i agree with the others about the Mercury dime as far as a "classic" coin.

high grade 19th century type, nice looking/historical paper money, interesting looking forn coins, dateless 1916 SLQ.